EFFECT OF CAFFEINE (COFFEE) ON BLINK RATES OF ADULTS.

Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it increases activity in the brain and nervous system. It also increases the circulation of chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline in the body. Caffeine is naturally found in the leaves and fruits of some plants. It is in coffee, black and green tea, cocoa, cola soft drinks and energy drinks. Blinking has been described to occur voluntarily, reflexively or spontaneously. Caffeine is a known stimulant that affects nervous system and probably the most widely consumed psychoactive substance is claimed to have conflicting effects on blink rate and blinking plays a critical role in the health of the eye. This research has assess the influence of caffeinated coffee consumption with blink rate. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of caffeine intake(coffee) on blink rate.The blink rate was measured on a sample of 85 participants in the university of Benin Optometry teaching clinic.The measurements for the test per participants were obtained and afterwards the means were applied in analysis of the result. Mean baseline was 17.38 and the mean blink rates after caffeine consumption was 15.04, 13.91, 12.42, and 16.69 for 15, 30, 45 and 65 minutes respectively. There was a statistically significant reduction in the blink rate of participants after the consumption of caffeine (p < 0.05). It was concluded that caffeine reduces blink rate in adults and excessive intake of caffeine should be avoided since caffeine intake could cause improper functioning of the eye.